Reno, Nev. August 22, 2018. The Perry Fire that began raging southwest of Pyramid Lake less than 4 weeks ago, burning over 51,000 acres and damaging three homes and 15 structures, left dozens of people and hundreds of animals without a home for the duration of the incident. However, thanks to all involved there was no loss of human or animal life, and Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) is expressing their gratitude.

“Thankfully we have incredible partners who jumped in to action and volunteered to save lives,” says Shyanne Schull, Director of Washoe County Regional Animal Services. While Washoe County is grateful for all of the invaluable partners, volunteers, and community members who stepped in to help or donate supplies, but the evacuation of animals wouldn’t be possible without one in particular.

“I would like to sincerely thank Mr. and Mrs. Olson for their generosity by opening their beautiful Ironwood Event Center for emergency sheltering of people and animals during the Perry Fire. Their facility provided ample shelter for the over 300 animals that WCRAS provided cared for, during the six days of the emergency shelter’s operation. Having a facility with the capacity like Ironwood Event Center that is in close proximity to the affected community is crucial to the success of these events”.

The owners of the Ironwood Event Center, Ron and Joan Olson, didn’t think twice about opening their facility to help. “We are glad that we could offer assistance to those families and the animals that needed a safe haven. We know that it was comforting for many that their animals were close by and in good hands.”

The Olson’s believe in times of crisis it is critical for the community to come together to help one another. “We sincerely thank all those who called or came by offering donations and assistance. The Red Cross and Washoe County Regional Animal Services did a wonderful job with both the people and the animals, and we would not hesitate to offer a helping hand in the future.”